Diverticulitis diet

If a person is diagnosed with diverticulitis after medical examination, diverticulitis diet can be recommended in addition to medical treatment. This diet reduces diverticulitis symptoms and prevents progression of intestinal pathology.

Diverticulitis most often develops in elderly people because their nutrition usually contains a lot of fat and protein. Unhealthy diet leads to formation and inflammation of bulging pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract. The incidence of disease is difficult to determine, but it is believed that more than 50% of people older than 80 years have diverticula.

Diverticulitis diet consists of several stages. The main and most common symptoms of diverticulitis are abdominal pain and constipation, so it is necessary to minimize consumption of solid food and to allow the stomach to rest at the first stage of the diet.

In the first few days of diverticulitis diet, it is necessary to consume liquid food with minimum amount of fat and fiber. Ideally, the whole food that enters the stomach should be ingested and its remains should not move through the intestines.

The aim of the first stage of diverticulitis diet is to reduce the inflammation of bulging pouches. However, the human body constantly needs for energy, and it cannot wait until the stomach will rest for a few days.

Drinks high in simple carbohydrates will help to solve the problem of energy deficiency in the body. For these purposes, fruit juices are ideal solution. It is recommended to choose transparent, low-pulp (fiber) juices.

The next stage of diverticulitis diet lasts for several days and ends when the person begins to feel himself better. At the second stage of diverticulitis diet, a list of food products can include:

Seafood, eggs and white meat

Juices with moderate amount of pulp

Pasta and cereals low in fiber

Low-fat milk, yogurt and other dairy products

Cooked fruits and vegetables without peel and seeds

The third stage of diverticulitis diet plan lasts longer than others do and in fact, it is a prevention of diverticulitis. In order to prevent repeated inflammation of bulging pouches in the digestive tract, it is necessary to adhere to the principles of healthy eating throughout life.

At the beginning of diverticulitis diet, it is necessary to limit intake of fiber. However, for prevention of diverticulitis, consumption of vegetables, fruits, cereals and other foods rich in insoluble fiber is best suited.

Diverticulitis is often hereditary, so if a next of kin was previously diagnosed with this disease, it is recommended regular prevention of diverticula inflammation. Repeated inflammation of bulging pouches is observed in more than 30% of elderly patients.

To prevent the relapse of diverticulitis, it is necessary to daily consume at least 20 grams and 30 grams of fiber for women and men respectively. Such nutrition does not only normalize the intestinal function, but also prevents the occurrence of obesity and other chronic diseases.